E
D I S N I D N I F
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Locally owned since 1867
Where water buffalo roam
iolaregister.com
K-State introduces new head coach
By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
It’s not easy to catch a water buffalo. “If one doesn’t go in the pen, you cannot drive her. It’s better to set up a pen, drop some feed on the ground and hope for the best,” Elsmore rancher Kenny Covey explained. “They’re not like cattle.” Not only are water buffalo much larger than the kind of cows you’d typically find on a Kansas farm, they have giant horns — and a nasty temper. “Their disposition is not as good as cattle. I’ve got some in here that are a little ornery. They’re really quick. It’s like a light switch. You have to pay close attention.” Covey, owner of Diamond C Cattle Company, started a herd of water buffalo in 2020 after learning about the benefits of the meat. “It’s a lot healthier,” he said. “Healthier than chicken.” Water buffalo are an exotic breed and one of the largest members of the bovine family. They can range from around 1,500 to 2,600 pounds and have huge horns that never quit growing. There are different types of water buffalo: river buffalo and swamp buffalo. Water buffalo were imported into the U.S. in the 1970s but are still relatively rare, with an estimated 8,000 head in the country these days. Their milk is prized for making mozzarella cheese and contains higher levels of protein, calcium and iron with less cholesterol and lactose. A type of river buffalo in Italy is prized for producing such cheese. Their meat also is known for its health benefits. According to a report from the National Center of Biotechnical Information, water buffalo meat is part of the Mediter-
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Democrats united on Jackson for Supreme Court PAGE A7
City to take a new look at solar
Kenny Covey, owner of Diamon C Cattle Company, shown at right, started a water buffalo herd after learning of the health benefits of the meat. He is shown with the most tame member of his herd. They can be aggressive, he said. REGISTER/VICKIE MOSS
By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
ranean diet and is a healthier alternative to beef. Studies show it has lower levels of cholesterol and fat content compared to other types of meat, including chicken, turkey, bison and beef. The meat is best for hamburgers and roasts, Covey said. Ribeyes are a little tough. Because the meat comes from an exotic animal, it requires a different type of USDA inspection during slaughter and preparation. It’s also more expensive, between $9 and $15 per pound. Restaurants are interested in adding the meat to their menu, Covey said. That’s part of his business
Solar power may once again be considered for Iola’s energy portfolio. City Council members will hear a presentation by consultant Scott Shreve about a potential solar energy project in Iola. Council members rejected in 2019 overtures from Westar to build a solar farm on the west edge of town, which would eventually have cost the city $3.7 million, and perhaps more when factoring in premiums tacked on to energy produced by the solar panels. In other utility business, Council members also will
See BUFFALO | Page A8
See COUNCIL | Page A8
Get ready for a Sharky’s attack; pub plans Iola location By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
It took a few years longer than anticipated, but the owner of Sharky’s restaurants in Fort Scott and Nevada, Mo., soon will open a third bar and grill in Iola. David Lipe, who owns the Fort Scott Sharky’s Pub and Grub and is partners with others in the Nevada outlet, confirmed Wednesday plans to open within the next few months at 112 S. Washington Ave. “We’re going through our checklist pretty rapidly,” Lipe told the Register in a telephone interview. “Getting the equipment in place is the major hurdle. In today’s age, it’s taking a little longer than expected.” Lipe expected Sharky’s to
open before June 1. The building most recently was The Outsiders, before that restaurant relocated to Chanute. Lipe and building owner Bill Walden noted Sharky’s will soon have an added element now that the building next door has been refurbished to house an event center. A wall between the rooms is being opened up to connect them, Lipe said, allowing Sharky’s to house overflow crowds, or to close the door
Sharky’s Pub and Grub is expected to open at 112 S. Washington Ave. in the next few months. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
and have a separate event center. Sharky’s also caters private events, Lipe said, both on and off premises.
Walden’s wife, Cara, is overseeing the event center. “We don’t know when that part will be ready for us,” Lipe said.
CONGRATULATIONS Vol. 124, No. 123 Iola, KS $1.00
Lipe has been eager to expand to Iola for years and was connected to a proposed Sleep Inn hotel project that See SHARKY’S | Page A8
To the Staff of Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center for being recognized as the 2021 Health Quality Innovator of the Year population health category – runner up for Community of Immunity Initiative. 629 S. Plummer • Chanute, KS • 620-431-4000 www.neoshomemorial.com